Lobo Soccer Takes MW Lead in Fifth Shutout of Season

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Lobos are alone on the top of the Mountain West standings once again, after a 2-0 shutout of Colorado College on Thursday night on Senior Night at the UNM Soccer Complex.

On the Lobos’ Senior Night, the seniors shined the brightest. Emily Johnson made five crucial saves at the net to keep the Tigers from scoring. Molly Myers led the Lobos with six shots and the insurance goal in the 69th minute. Of the other seniors in the starting lineup, Madi Hirschman recorded two shots and Alexa Kirton and Aspen Headrick each notched one shot. Malia Vanisi and Kylie Russell earned a start as well on their Senior Night. With tonight’s start, Kirton tied a program record for games played with 82 games played in her career, tied with Liz Nare (2010-13).

Although the first half saw tons of offensive action, neither team was able to score. The Lobos fired off 10 shots with two coming on goal, while the Tigers countered with seven shots (two on goal). Myers came the closest to scoring for the Lobos in the 15th minute with a close shot that bounced off the post.

Johnson was key at the goal, saving both shots the Tigers fired at her. Myah Isais was also essential to throwing off Colorado College’s game throughout the match. Johnson’s save near the end of the half helped keep the match scoreless after 45 minutes played.

The second half started off slow as the Tigers fired off two shots and the Lobos countered with one in the first 15 minutes, before New Mexico got on the board. In the 67th minute, Jadyn Edwards got past the Tigers’ defense and launched the ball just under the goalkeeper to put the Lobos up, 1-0, over Colorado College.

Just a few short minutes later, the Lobos struck again. With Edwards setting up the shot, Myers hit a ball right to the goalkeeper which then slipped through their hands to find the back of the net, giving the Lobos a little insurance and a 2-1 lead in the 69th minute.

After the Lobos scored their two goals, the Tigers tried to get even. They fired off three shots on goal but Johnson was right there to notch another save each time, leading New Mexico to a 2-0 shutout over Colorado College.

The Lobos and Tigers played a fairly even game. New Mexico had 14 shots (four on goal), five corner kicks, four fouls and five saves. Colorado College recorded 12 shots (five on goal), three corner kicks, seven fouls and two saves.

Myers led the Lobos with six shots (two on goal) and the first Lobo goal in the 67th minute. Johnson held things down at the net as she recorded five saves against the offensive-heavy Tigers. Isais led the way defensively as she blocked multiple shots and aided the Lobos in winning the ball back from the attacking Tigers. Five Colorado College players recorded two shots each.

New Mexico improves to 11-4-1 overall and 6-2-1 in Mountain West play to reclaim the lone top spot in the conference standings as Fresno State plays on Friday. Colorado College falls to 3-10-3 overall and 2-4-3 in conference play.

The Lobos host their last home match against the Air Force Falcons on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. (MT) at UNM Soccer Complex. New Mexico then closes out its season on Oct. 28 at 8 p.m., traveling to San Diego State.

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